edlab03

how long would i need to soak filter media in an established tank for beneficial bacteria to grow on it? i have a 55 gal waiting to be setup and would like to speed up the cycling process as much as i can. i'm also going to take some gravel from the established tank and put it in some panty hose and let it sit in the new tank as well.

for those of you who have done this to a new tank how long did it take for it to cycle?

agabr123

i personally would give it at least 3 weeks, and i'm overly protective so i'd do it for a month but that's probably not necessary. if the filter media is established enough (and the gravel will help immensely as well) then it should cycle basically immediately, i wouldn't add fish until at least 4 hours or so after adding the filter media/gravel and then make sure you test the water the next day to be sure.

are you putting the filter media in your 20 long from your signature to seed it?

edlab03

yes i am. im actually soaking some filter media now its hanging in the corner(will beneficial bacteria grow on this?) plus taking half of whats in the actually filter to put in the new 55gal. hope that made sense.

shadowavenger

you can try to actually rub the sponge on the established filter to force bacteria on the sponge. would would be even better would be to just take the filter and biosponge from the new tank and rub some of the filter funk form the established tank on to it.

Lucy

Still leave it the established tank for 2-3 weeks to seed it.

CoryMac

it took me 3 days,i used a couple of pounds of gravel from established tank,filter media & a plant,but i still keep the tank running for a week longer just so i was on the safe side.

Lucy

Couple of days here too. I have smaller tanks so I added my fish along with the used media. Since you're using gravel too, it won't take a long.
But as always, keep an eye on your parameters and don't stock too quickly.

edlab03

thank you all so much for the quick and informative responses.

im definetly going to let it seed for a couple of weeks since im still waiting for my filter, heater, ect. to come in. i will also let it "cycle" for another week or so monitoring my water parameters before i add any stock to it.

thanks again,
ed

agabr123

make sure you add a source of ammonia so the cycle doesnt die you can use fish food, a piece of raw shrimp, or you can buy pure ammonia (when you shake it it shouldn't fizz or bubble, and definitely no surfactants, just ammonia and water)

edlab03

i will certainly do that! thanks!